|
|
Laser Treatment
Common Risks
The most common side effects and complications of laser surgery are:
- PAIN - Most people feel some pain during treatment if no anesthetic is used.
The pain may range from mild to intense but, fortunately, is of short duration. A topical or local
anesthetic is usually used to block pain during treatment.
- HEALING WOUND - CO2 laser surgery causes a superficial to deep wound to the skin, which takes several
days or weeks to heal. The superficial burn of the outer layer of skin results in swelling, some weeping and
crusting of the treated area, which is usually takes 1-2 weeks to heal. Once the surface has healed, it is
pink and may be sensitive to the sun for another 2-4 months.
- PIGMENT CHANGES - The treated area may heal with increased pigmentation (hyperpigmentation). This occurs most
often in darker pigmented skin and following exposure of the area to the sun. Some patients have a predisposition
to this type of reaction and may have noticed it with minor cuts, abrasions or acne lesions. It is thought that
protecting the treated area from exposure to the sun for 3 months following treatment minimizes the risks of
hyperpigmentation. In some patients even though the area has been protected from the sun. Hyperpigmented spots
usually fade away in 3-6 month; sometimes however, the pigment change can be permanent. In other patients, the
treated area may lose pigmentation (hypopigmentation) and become a lighter color than the surrounding skin.
When this occurs, the skin area will not tan normally. This type of reaction tends to gradually fade away,
but may be permanent.
- EXCESSIVE SWELLING - Immediately after laser surgery there may be swelling of the skin, especially when the
cheek, nose or eyelids have been treated. This is a temporary condition and not harmful in itself, but may be
frightening. This swelling usually subsides in 3-7 days and requires frequent applications of ice for treatment.
- SCARRING - There is a small chance of scarring, including hypertrophic scars, which are thickened scars and very
rarely keloid scars, which are abnormal, heavy, raised scar formations, which may extend beyond the
limits of the original scar. Scarring is a rare occurrence (less than 1% in our practice when treating superficial lesions),
but is a possibility because of the disruption of the skin's surface. The minimize the chances of scarring, it is important
that you follow all postoperative instructions carefully.
- EYE EXPOSURE - There is also a risk of harmful eye exposure to laser energy. Safeguards have been provided including
the use of safety eyewear during the laser treatment. It is important for you to keep protective glasses on at all times
during treatment to protect your eyes from accidental laser exposure.
What are the possible complications if I don't have laser surgery performed?
Many of the conditions that area treated with the CO2 laser may be treated with other medical modalities.
If not treated at all, some of these conditions may be expected to worsen with time, such as skin cancers,
precancerous growths, some warts, and various other skin growths. However, some lesions such as freckles,
"age spots", and wrinkles are considered cosmetic in nature and pose no medical threat if they are not treated.
|
